House panel approves shooting of coyotes from snowmobiles

[Outdoors Junkie]

From the Rapid City Journal: Feb 23, 2011

A South Dakota House committee unanimously approved a bill Tuesday to allow landowners to shoot coyotes on their property from stationary snowmobiles.

The House Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee approved Senate Bill 55 on a 12-0 vote, sending it on to the full House for consideration. The bill was passed by the Senate earlier on a 30-4 vote.

The bill would allow landowners or lessees on their own property to use snowmobiles to pursue and shoot coyotes. But it requires the operators of the snowmobiles to come to a full stop before shooting.

The operator of the snowmobile also must be at least 18 years old and be alone on the machine at the time.

Critics argue that using snowmobiles to kill coyotes is unsporting and dangerous. Supporters say it would help livestock producers protect their lambs and calves.